Shillong, April 28: The Meghalaya government has shelved its proposal to construct an elevated road from Rilbong junction to Barik point in Shillong, opting instead for a four-lane expansion of the stretch following advice from defence authorities citing safety and security concerns.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said the government had initially preferred an elevated road but revised its plan after consultations with defence officials.
“From the government side, we preferred an elevated road from Rilbong to Barik point. However, after discussions, the defence authorities advised us to go for four-laning due to safety issues. It is better to proceed with four-laning instead,” Tynsong told reporters on Tuesday.
He said the decision was taken after extensive consultations and joint inspections involving multiple agencies, including the state Public Works Department (PWD), district administration, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), and defence authorities.
Tynsong informed that survey work for the four-laning project has already commenced, with a joint survey currently underway involving officials from the 101 Area of the Army, along with PWD, district administration, and NHIDCL.
The proposed project will cover the key stretch between Rilbong junction and Barik point, a critical corridor within Shillong.
He added that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared after completion of the ongoing joint survey.
